Notaire Fees in France: Calculate, Understand & Reduce Your Costs
Notaire fees in France can significantly impact your total property investment—yet most buyers underestimate them.
Whether you’re buying a second home, investing, or relocating, understanding these costs can save you thousands of euros.
👉 Use this guide to calculate, optimize, and reduce your notaire fees legally.
Estimate your notaire fees in seconds
Get a personalized cost breakdown for your property project
What Are Notaire Fees in France?
What Are Notaire Fees in France?
Notaire fees (frais de notaire) are mandatory costs paid when buying property in France. They are handled by a public official called the notaire, who secures the transaction.
These fees are not just “notary fees”—they include multiple components:
- Government taxes
- Administrative costs
- Legal services
👉 In reality, most of the amount goes to the state, not the notaire.
How Much Are Notaire Fees in France?
The amount depends mainly on whether the property is new or old.
🏠 Old Properties (Existing Real Estate)
- Typically 7% to 8% of the purchase price
- Represents the majority of transactions in France
🆕 New Properties (New Builds)
- Around 2% to 3%
- Significantly lower due to reduced taxes
👉 This difference can represent tens of thousands of euros.
What Is Included in Notaire Fees?
Notaire fees are composed of three main elements:
🧾 Taxes (Majority of Costs)
Transfer taxes paid to the French government and local authorities.
⚖️ Legal Fees
Regulated fees for the notaire’s work (fixed by law).
📂 Administrative Costs
Document preparation, registrations, and formalities.
👉 Roughly 70–80% = taxes, not actual service fees.
Can You Reduce Notaire Fees in France?
Yes—there are legal strategies to reduce your costs.
✅ Deduct Furniture Value
Movable items (kitchen, appliances, furniture) can be excluded from the property price.
✅ Buy New Property
Lower fees automatically apply to new developments.
✅ Optimize Purchase Structure
Working with experts can help structure your purchase efficiently.
⚠️ Poor structuring = overpaying thousands unnecessarily.
Want to reduce your notaire fees?
Want to reduce your notaire fees?
Get a free personalized strategy
How We Help You Save on Notaire Fees
We assist international buyers with:
- Accurate fee estimation
- Cost optimization strategies
- Full purchase guidance
- Connection with trusted notaires
👉 Our clients typically save between €5,000 and €30,000.
Are notaire fees negotiable?
No, notaire fees are regulated by the French government. However, small reductions may apply on high-value transactions.
Who pays notaire fees in France?
The buyer pays the notaire fees in almost all cases.